Serving a Higher Power

Since its founding in 1995, Adventist World Aviation (AWA) has worked to bring help and hope to humanity. The non-profit humanitarian air association supports the ministry of the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, delivering medical, physical, mental, and spiritual assistance to persons in isolated areas.

Steven Leger, a student pilot with AWA, stated the association prides itself on its ability to respond to challenging situations with greater agility and speed than larger organizations, then step back upon the arrival of major relief efforts, permitting such to do their work. Once large-scale relief-operations have been seen to, the AWA returns, bringing aid and post-disaster support as needed, or delivering supplies for larger agencies unable to do so because of political/bureaucratic obstacles.

AWA has numerous projects in nations such as Brazil, Guyana, Nicaragua, Northern Ontario, the Philippines, and the United States. Mr. Leger’s area of responsibility is Project USA, conducted under the auspices of Wings 4 Humanity (W4H). Leger explained that W4H operates a fleet of some 12 single-engine aircraft, the entirety of which were donated to the organization by generous benefactors. It is in one such aircraft that Mr. Leger intends to complete his Private Pilot training, after which he aspires to use his new airman’s credentials to serve a “Higher Power.”

AWA comprises a volunteer cadre of pilots, Search And Rescue (SAR) and relief personnel, as well as a seven-dog canine SAR team. Of the two SAR dogs assigned to Project USA, a Black Lab named Apache, demonstrated excellent behavior and control following minimal commands issued by Mr. Leger.

The experience and responsibilities of AWA personnel are collectively denoted by a rank hierarchy—e.g., captains, seniors, etc. What’s more, the association conducts its own internal training for purpose of ensuring operational readiness.

Asked if AWA pilots, medical and support staff, and clergy have experienced difficulties reaching persons and communities in need—particularly in Latin America, where the endemic and enduring threat from cartels and gangs foments distrust—Mr. Leger set forth that the AWA’s missionary work generally proceeds unhindered insomuch as the association has no agenda other than to provide aid or assistance to those in need.

FMI: www.flyawa.org